Michigan-based War of 1812 documentary premieres Aug. 18 at The Henry Ford

Contact: Phil Porter, 906-847-3328

Agency: Natural Resources

Aug. 7, 2012

Two hundred years after the start of the War of 1812, many bicentennial events and programs are now getting under way. One such commemorative event is the premiere of "Michigan at War: The Struggle for the Old Northwest, 1812-1815" at 8 p.m. on Aug. 18 at The Henry Ford's Anderson Theater in Dearborn, Mich. Created by The Michigan Commission on the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 with director and producer Chris Cook, Metrocom International, the 30-minute documentary features Michigan's important role in fighting and winning the war.

Twenty-five years before it became a state, Michigan was a key battleground in the War of 1812. From Monroe to Mackinac and Detroit to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan was the site of several key conflicts between Great Britain and the United States of America in a struggle that cemented the boundaries and governments of North America. During this documentary, guests will hear the stories of what has been called America's second War of Independence, the British capture of Mackinac and the American surrender of Detroit. The documentary, sponsored by DTE Energy, the Michigan Humanities Council and the Monroe County War of 1812 Bicentennial Steering Committee, will also air on Detroit PBS (WTVS/Channel 56) in the fall of this year.

"This thought-provoking documentary is the culmination of several years of research, detailed work and production by the commission and its many generous donors and sponsors," said Phil Porter, commission chairman and director of Mackinac State Historic Parks. "The territory of Michigan and its people played a key strategic and political role in the War of 1812, and this documentary helps explain this important chapter in our state's history. Educational and fast-paced, 'Michigan at War' can be enjoyed and appreciated by historians and elementary school children alike."

The event is free to the public with registration. Visit http://tinyurl.com/1812Premiere to register. For more information on the event, contact Annette McConnell at jam1776@sbcglobal.net.

The premiere is part of Greenfield Village's War of 1812 Muster Weekend. Details on the two-day muster are available at www.thehenryford.org/events/1812encampment.aspx.

The governor-appointed Michigan Commission on the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 is charged with encouraging, planning and developing activities, events, programs, observances and services appropriate to commemorate Michigan's role in the War of 1812. More information, including a complete list of War of 1812 bicentennial events, can be found at www.michigan.gov/war1812.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.